Tom Brady and Russell Wilson were among the members of the NFL community who offered messages of support to Buccaneers linebacker Shaquil Barrett, whose 2-year-old daughter tragically drowned Sunday in the family’s swimming pool.
In a message posted on his Instagram Stories, Brady — who was teammates with Barrett for three years before his retirement in February — expressed, “The Brady’s love you,” alongside a family photo of the Barretts.
Wilson also posted an emotional message to Barrett, 30, tweeting, “Heartbreaking. Praying for you & your family Shaq.”
The Tampa Police Department responded to a call before 9:30 a.m. about a child who had fallen into a pool, according to the Tampa Bay Times.
The child, Barrett’s 2-year-old daughter Arrayah, was then transported to a local hospital.
Although lifesaving measures were taken, Arrayah was pronounced dead shortly after her arrival, the Tampa Bay Times reported.
Authorities said Sunday in a statement that while the investigation is ongoing, it is believed to have been purely accidental and a tragic incident.
In the wake of the devastating incident, the Buccaneers offered their deepest sympathies to Barrett, his wife Jordanna and their family.
“Today’s tragic news is heartbreaking for all members of the Buccaneers family. Our thoughts and prayers are with Shaq, Jordanna and the entire Barrett family during this unimaginably difficult time,” the statement read.
“While no words can provide true comfort at a time such as this, we offer our support and love as they begin to process this very profound loss of their beloved Arrayah.”
In response to the Buccaneers’ statement that was posted across their social media channels, the Broncos — where Barrett began his NFL career in 2014 — extended their condolences.
“#BroncosCountry is with you, Shaq & the entire Barrett family,” the message read.
Rob Gronkowski, who played alongside Barrett in Tampa Bay for two seasons, also shared a heartfelt post on his Instagram Stories.
“Sending you and your family all the love and prayers,” the former NFL tight end wrote.
Arrayah was one of Barrett’s four children with wife Jordanna.
The linebacker, who is entering his fifth season in Tampa Bay, commemorated Arrayah’s second birthday in his most recent Instagram post on April 19.
